MERS under control in Thailand

A group of tourists wear masks to prevent contracting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) as they arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, June 21, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

BANGKOK -- Swift action taken by the Thai health authorities has restricted the number of confirmed cases of MERS to a single individual, with no more cases being reported.

According to the Thai Health Ministry, the first case of MERS infection was confirmed Thursday. The 75-year-old patient from Oman was moved from Bumrungrad Hospital to a quarantine room. All those who had contact with the patient, including his relatives and hospital personnel, were also immediately checked and cleared.

As of Tuesday, the patient is reported to have been only "mildly affected" and recovering.

The Ministry has assured the Thai public and visitors that full- scale surveillance and response systems have been put in place for rapid detection and effective management of MERS, with good coordination between the public and private sectors.

All visitor arrivals are flowing normally via all international gateways and the travel and tourism industry remains in full operation in Thailand.

The World Health Organization has not issued any travel restrictions but advised travelers to be vigilant, and take normal hygienic precautions, such as regular hand-washing and consuming well-cooked food.

Tourism Administration of Thailand Acting Governor Juthaporn Rerngronasa said, "We would like to applaud the swift response action taken by the health authorities to nip the spread of the MERS virus."